Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. Hertha Berlin (Sunday, 15:30CET)

After nearly half-a-year without him, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will be kicking off 2017 with midfielder Karim Bellarabi. The 26-year-old spent the last half of 2016 struggling with a groin injury but the new year looks to see a new start for the German. A back problem forces Kevin Volland to sit this one out. Midfield duo Kevin Kampl and Hakan Calhanoglu both missed training with a stomach problem during the week, however both are set to start. Star forward Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will be looking to maintain his goalscoring start to 2017 after netting in the friendly against Atletico Mineiro.

Watch: Highlights of Leverkusen's 1-1 draw with Köln on Matchday 16:

With forward Salomon Kalou away on international duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, Hertha coach Pal Dardai has had to make a few adjustments. Vedad Ibisevic still leads the charge up front but is likely to have the support of Valentin Stocker and Genki Haraguchi. A muscle injury hindered John Anthony Brooks on Matchday 16, but following a strong winter training camp, the USMNT international will be back to shore up the visitors' rearguard in the face of the threat from the likes of Chicharito and Brandt. Mitchell Weiser misses out due to a nerve problem in the 22-year-old's back.